To strengthen national research capabilities in glaciology and climate science, a three-week Capacity Building Programme in Glaciology organised by the Centre of Excellence for Glacial Studies in the Western Himalayas, University of Kashmir (KU) concluded on Tuesday.
Sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, the programme included eleven days of classroom-based theoretical training followed by a rigorous ten-day field component at the Machoi Glacier, Drass (Ladakh). Twenty participants, selected from over 75 applicants from prestigious institutions such as IITs, IISERs, NITs, central and state universities, and national research labs, underwent this interdisciplinary training delivered by KU faculty and experts from leading national institutions.
In her message, Vice Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan said, “The Centre of Excellence has become a national hub for research on climate change, water security, and related challenges. Capacity-building initiatives like this are vital for empowering the next generation of scientists and creating impactful knowledge ecosystems.”
Dr. Anita Gupta, Head of the Climate, Energy, and Sustainable Technology Division at DST, New Delhi, who was the chief guest at the valedictory function, lauded KU’s leadership in advancing glaciological research and expressed hope that the participants would contribute meaningfully to India's climate and sustainability goals.
Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor, IUST, and Principal Investigator (PI) and coordinator of the programme, highlighted the strategic significance of glaciology in ensuring food, water, and energy security. He acknowledged the continued support of DST in developing world-class research infrastructure at KU under national missions.
Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, emphasized the growing prominence of the Centre of Excellence and stressed on the need to make its research findings accessible to policymakers and the general public for informed decision-making.
Earlier, Prof. M. Farooq Mir, Head, Department of Geoinformatics KU, welcomed the guests. Dr. Khalid Omar Murtaza, Co-PI of the Centre, presented a summary of the programme, while Dr. Reyaz Ahmad Dar, also Co-PI, delivered the vote of thanks.
The valedictory function was attended by several deans, heads of departments, co-PIs of the Centre of Excellence, faculty members and scholars from KU and IUST.
